Flag protesters to print deck of cards
ATLANTA - Similar to the deck of playing cards featuring wanted Iraqi leaders, a Southern heritage group plans to make its own cards attacking politicians who voted for Georgia's new state flag.

Braves' notebook
ATLANTA - For two years, the Atlanta Braves had a "bullypen," a combination of relievers so good opposing hitters wished Cy Young winners Greg Maddux or Tom Glavine would return to the mound.

Government tightens medical-privacy rules
NEW YORK - Patients visiting doctors Jeffrey Mazlin or Howard Shaw remark on how much nicer the office looks since a wall was removed, creating a bigger, more open space.

Carnival will come to Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The largest cruise ship company in the world said it will make Jacksonville a year-round home port for one of its vessels starting in October 2004.

Business calendar
Tuesday: Strategic Management of Resources CPIM course, presented by the APICS Chapter; to register, call 554-4708 or go to www.apicscsra.org.

Pocket change
FRANKFURT, Germany - The euro surged above $1.15 on Friday, a level it hasn't touched since it was less than a month old in 1999, making many wonder how high it can go.

Gates advocates even stronger ties to hardware makers
NEW ORLEANS -- Ever since IBM Corp. asked a small company founded by Harvard dropout Bill Gates to build an operating system for its first personal computer, the PC industry has evolved in a dual universe. Hardware firms engineer faster systems, while software companies race to take advantage of that speed.

Group says van factory will arrive
SAVANNAH, Ga. - It's almost official: DaimlerChrysler is building its new Sprinter van plant in nearby Pooler, and the company is expected to make an announcement to that effect this summer.

Castro gets a pass
Earlier this year Harry Belafonte, a formerly prominent entertainer who hasn't had a hit record in decades, generated some news for himself by smearing Secretary of State Colin Powell as a "house slave" for George W. Bush.

Love and sacrifices
When Julia Ward Howe, who wrote the words to Battle Hymn of the Republic, first suggested the idea of celebrating Mother's Day in 1872, she intended it as a time to honor the love and sacrifices that mothers offer their children and their country with a day dedicated to peace to help heal the wounds of the Civil War.

Back in the game
"America has not begun to tap the promise nuclear energy offers this country. For years now there has been a figurative sign on the Department of Energy that essentially says, 'This is the department of all energy except nuclear energy.' This legislation will change that. This bill makes it clear America is back in the nuclear-energy game. Nuclear energy is reliable, affordable and absolutely clean..."

School budget row
South Carolina education authorities are in a row with the Policy Council, a state tax-exempt research group which charges public school systems are overspending on administration and under-spending on classrooms.

Jones-Carr
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Wilson of Birmingham, Ala., announce the engagement of their daughter, Kelly Frances to Benjamin Matthew Carr, son of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Holmes Carr of Atlanta.

Bokesch-Rogers
Mr. and Mrs. David M. Bokesch of Martinez, announce the engagement of their daughter, Laura Beth Bokesch of West Palm Beach, Fla., to Richard Jason Rogers of Los Gatos, Calif., son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Rogers of Penn Valley, Calif.

Coleman-Grinalds
Dr. and Mrs. Charles Hamilton Coleman, Jr. of Augusta, announce the engagement of their daughter, Mimi DuBose Coleman of Augusta, to Allen Dennis Grinalds of Yuma, Ariz., son of Major General and Mrs. John Southy Grinalds of Charleston, S.C.

Sweet strawberries have healthful side
The strawberry is a delicate fruit. Shaped like a heart and as rosy red as one, the strawberry has long represented the idea of innocence, sweetness and purity.

Tournament makes push to widen fan base
As Lorena Ochoa made her charge up the leaderboard Saturday at the Asahi Ryokuken International Championship, a dozen or so fans trudged up the hill to the ninth green.

LPGA notebook
Janice Moodie is attempting to defend her Asahi Ryokuken International Championship title like a true champion.

Golf roundup
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A chip-in for eagle and a brilliant fairway bunker shot enabled David Toms to pull away from the pack Saturday in the Wachovia Championship.

Coming up Rosie
Keeping up with Rosie Jones off the tee isn't hard to do. Doing the same on the leaderboard at the Asahi Ryokuken International Championship is a another story.

Officials respond to building collapse
Augusta-Richmond county firefighters and police blocked off a section of downtown Augusta after a building partially collapsed on the corner of Sixth and Broad streets.

Pro-lifers need to get real
Regarding Teresa Glackin-Callahan's April 29 letter, "Pro-choice activists misguided": She wrote, "Personally, I know abortion is wrong." How does she know? Where is her evidence?
Kevin Palmer, Martinez, Ga.

What it means to be an American
On April 3 I was in an auto accident. During my recuperation at home, I have become an expert on the Iraqi war and severe acute respiratory syndrome (or SARS), have seen Laci Peterson's alleged killer caught and have reflected daily on what great people I work with and how caring and loving they are.
Jim Sarver, Augusta

Don't give Clinton credit for improving economy
I would delete one word from the English language - "can't." When I was in the first or second grade, they told us that the old train engine seemed to say, "I think I can, I think I can." We have the best technology in the world because someone says, "I think I can," and does it.
Harry Oliphant, Hephzibah, Ga.

New military support group to meet
Because our area has seen a large number of its military residents deployed to support the war, the Ladies Support Group of the James L. Hammons Marine Corps League, Det. 939, has taken on the task of establishing an organization new to the Central Savannah River Area.
Judith L. Knight, Warrenville, S.C.

Even those who say they opposed Clinton miss him
People are still saying ugly things about former presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter. They both were good presidents. Bill Clinton was elected twice. Doesn't that tell you something? Business doors did not close, and people had jobs. Now, it's a mess.
Elnora McGruder, Louisville, Ga.

Open country
It didn't take Mark and Paula Guilbeau long to realize that living in a neighborhood just wasn't for them.

In the know
The Augusta Chronicle is looking for a few good grads. Specifically, members of the first graduating class of John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School - class of 1986.

Mom's nerves jangled
Elaine Brandon is a paragon of motherhood, a veritable sea of tranquility. In the annals of Great Moms, her picture should be placed right between Donna Reed and Marge Simpson.

If you choose to be a bridesmaid, you'll pay
Dear Carson: Since when did it become protocol for bridesmaids to pay for their own dress, jewelry and shoes? It is ridiculous for couples to have huge weddings, but ask other people to foot the bill. - Financially Strapped Maid of Honor

Constant care needed to keep hardwood floors looking good
Q: My husband and I installed a pre-finished Bruce hardwood floor in our new home two years ago. We were told that the finish was baked-on urethane. When construction of our house was complete we could not get all the construction dirt off the floor.

Joining the Assembly
The Augusta Assembly is a social club begun in 1952 that maintains a membership of 52 couples.

Home front
DuPont Teflon is famous for preventing food from sticking to your pans. Now, it's taking on a new role: keeping dirt from sticking to your floors.

News you can use
MAY 10, 1923
The gates of Augusta were thrown wide open yesterday to receive Knights Templar from various sections of Georgia and other states, who made a pilgrimage to our city to participate in the 63rd annual conclave of the Grand Commandery of Georgia Knights Templar.

Second man is arrested in shooting
With one word, Jimmy Holt described his feelings about Friday's arrest of James "J.T." Tenant - the second of three men sought in connection with the April 30 slaying of Pump 'N Shop worker Margaret King.

Defendant will accuse brother in slaying
SPRINGFIELD, Ga. - An Effingham County man has avoided a possible death sentence by identifying his brother as the man who shot and bludgeoned a Guyton, Ga., businessman to death in October 2000.

Chemical exposure kills men in pickup
LOUISVILLE, Ga. - Two men died and a third was critically injured early Friday after the valve on a pressurized container of anhydrous ammonia apparently blew out in the cab of their pickup, exposing them to the deadly chemical.

Across the southeast
MARYVILLE, Tenn. -The body of a missing student was found along a highway in the Great Smoky Mountains after police arrested the man accused of stalking and killing her.

Across the southeast
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. -The death of a Western Kentucky University freshman whose burned and stabbed body was found in her locked dorm room was being investigated as a murder, a school official said Friday.

Teacher in Aiken receives top prize
Jason Fulmer grew up learning in Aiken County public schools. On Friday night, he was named South Carolina's Teacher of the Year for making one of them a better place.

Note to readers
A mechanical problem with the press forced a late start for the press run Friday night. As a result, you may have received your paper later than usual. We apologize for any inconvenience this might cause. Our circulation office will be open until noon today to address any concerns you might have. To speak to someone, call 722-5620.

News you can use
A full rehearsal of all the groups participating in the Augusta Bicentennial pageant will be held tonight at 8 o'clock at the Municipal Stadium. All costumes for the pageant must be secured today. They are ready at the Sutherland Mill off 13th Street.

Aldays see killer executed
ATHENS, Ga. - Paige Seagraves' office is decorated in a country-western style that hints at her life on a Jackson County cattle farm but doesn't give a clue to the darkness that has shadowed her and her family for the past 30 years.

Across Georgia
LAWRENCEVILLE - A State Court judge in Gwinnett County has been suspended pending investigation in alleged misconduct after an Atlanta television station reported his frequent visits to a bar.

Military spouses get party at post
Freedom Park took on a whole new meaning Saturday, as colorfully-clad toddlers pulled away from their parents to roll in green grass and play games at the first Military Spouse Appreciation Day & Barbecue.

Roof of old hotel collapses
The roof of the old Augusta Hotel collapsed inward Saturday night, sending debris crashing through the rotted interior of the building, which is at least three stories tall.

Charges fly after day care bill dies
By most accounts, a bill that would require day cares in Georgia to notify parents or guardians about whether they had liability insurance was a noble piece of legislation.

Officer says he is target of probe
New Ellenton Police Chief Van McMillan spent part of Friday defending himself from rumors and two complaints about his police work that he says are being reviewed by the town's police commission.

Police find methamphetamine lab
Four people were in police custody Friday after authorities discovered a methamphetamine lab in an apartment on Wrightsboro Road.

Pupils compete in eco-friendly contest
EDGEFIELD, S.C. - About 75 eco-enthusiastic Georgia and South Carolina middle school pupils spent their Saturday taking tests and learning more about the environment at the National Wild Turkey Federation headquarters in Edgefield.

Mom receives graduate award from MCG
As Medical College of Georgia graduates sat in rows in their caps and gowns, there was a 5-year-old girl among them, watching as her mother was called up front to receive one of the school's highest awards.

Moms on course
LPGA golfer Pat Hurst walks with her daughter, Reilly, and son, Jackson, past the putting green at Mount Vintage Golf Club. Twenty-six golfers on the tour have children, and some travel as a family to tournaments.

Across South Carolina
COLUMBIA -Greenville County will be in the spotlight again next weekend over its policies on a holiday recognizing the Rev. Martin Luther King.

System's costs raise questions
When a statewide indigent defense system gets under way, counties such as Richmond County are expected to be relieved of the cost of paying attorneys to represent poor people.

Legal overhaul awaits scrutiny
Curtis Bell, 31, showed up for what was supposed to be his guilty plea and sentencing hearing in Richmond County Superior Court on April 1, but his court-appointed attorney did not.

Across Georgia
RINGGOLD -A federal investigation has cleared a deputy sheriff accused of hitting a man with his cruiser and then striking him with his fists after a chase.

Wins will come for Augusta trio
ALBANY, Ga.- As one of the top sprinters in Class AAA watched the Class AAAA 200-meter dash, Glenn Hills freshman Marcella Avery and Cross Creek junior Antronette Stringer rounded the curve and hit the home stretch.

Area sports announcments
Note: Announcements for participatory events must be written, delivered, mailed or faxed to The Augusta Chronicle, P.O. Box 1928, Augusta, GA 30903-1928, with a return address and phone number. No phone calls will be accepted. Fax number: (706) 823-3408. The announcements will be published weekly.

River trip provides an escape
Glenn Baldridge reclined peacefully in the bow of a pontoon boat, almost hypnotized by the low, steady drone of an outboard motor.

Vikings think big on Culpepper deal
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - Daunte Culpepper signed a $102 million contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings on Friday, becoming one of the NFL's highest-paid players.

Faith digest
Did you know NASA scientists proved that God really made the sun stand still, just like it says in the Book of Joshua?

Good eggs
Using the tip of a knife blade, Sister Mary Vladimira Havelock lightly scraped away bits of red onion dye from a coated eggshell she held close to her face.

Faith and fellowship calendar
The Faith and Fellowship Calendar is a roundup of church- and temple-based activities in the Augusta and Aiken area. Space is limited. Deadline is noon Monday. E-mail items to vanorton@augustachronicle.com; send a fax to 722-7403; or mail to Faith and Fellowship, The Augusta Chronicle Newsroom, P.O. Box 1928, Augusta, GA 30903-1928.

Religion news in brief
WARSAW, Poland -- In a solemn commemoration, Israeli President Moshe Katzav and his Polish counterpart, Aleksander Kwasniewski, paid tribute to the heroism of fighters in the 1943 Jewish Warsaw ghetto uprising and to other victims of the Nazi Holocaust.

Adamson-Rice
CHARLESTON, S.C.- Susan Carol Rice and Robert Francis Adamson II, both of Atlanta, were married at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, February 8, 2003, at First Scots Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Dr. G. Daniel McCall officiated.

English-Wikander
HELEN, Ga.- Mary Louise Wikander and Travis Shawn English, both of Trenton, were married at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2003, at the Alpine Wedding Chapel. The Rev. Austin Echols officiated.

Gillis-Snider
AUGUSTA- Rachael R. Snider of Nashville, Tenn., (formerly of Augusta) and Jonathan E. Gillis of Florence, Miss., were married at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 10, 2003, at the First Assembly of God. The Rev. Baxter Stanley, uncle of the bride officiated.

Combs-Stuart
PINE MOUNTAIN, Ga.- Jodi Voels Stuart and Craig Combs, both of Evans, were married at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, May 4, 2003, at Callaway Gardens. The Rev. Emory Gilbert officiated.

Jones-Booth
CHARLESTON, S.C.- Teresa Marie Booth and Nathan Wayne Jones, both of Grovetown, were married at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 10, 2003, at White Point Gardens. The Rev. Gerald Caldwell officiated.

Taylor-Rogers
HEPHZIBAH- Nikki Rogers and Jeremy Taylor, both of Hephzibah, were married at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3, 2003, in a garden wedding held at the home of the brides parents. The Rev. John Beck officiated.

Harley-Stone
NORTH AUGUSTA- Jennifer Rae Stone and Earl Tyrone Harley, both of North Augusta, were married at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 3, 2003, at Grace United Methodist Church. Dr. James Adams officiated.

Johnson-Gibson
AUGUSTA- Kizzie Kendale Gibson and Rodney Bakari Johnson, of North Augusta, were married at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 19, 2003, at Scared Heart Cultural Center. The Rev. John Ira Gibson officiated.